I'm doing the front wheel bearings (1972 280se w108 2.6l)

I bought the FAG kit and it includes inner/outer bearings, races, dust cap, seal, antenna thing, and grease.

As I pull off the old inner bearing, i find a thin metal disc (it looks like a spacer) that sits between the inner bearing and the seal. It seems to ride only the outer edge of the bearing. The new kit doesn't have this. Based on all the other photos of this job, I've never seen this.

When I look at the manual, there is an item called "pressing off disc" that might be pointing to this space - but I can't tell from the book what the heck it is?

Anyhow, I put it back together without it. Should I reopen- and put this part back in?

thx.

Is the diameter of the piece in question, the "disc", such that it would be a spacer for the inner race of the inboard bearing, or that it would be in contact with the outer race of the inboard bearing, acting as a stop to limit the depth to which the seal could be installed?

The "spacer" or "disc" should not contact the bearing cage.

pictures always help.

The middle ring is from the one in question. It was removed from the existing bearing assembly (I don't know if it's original to the car). The other 2 pieces are new and came in the kit.
pic 1 - shows the 3 items stacked in the order (inner bearing, mystery ring, seal)
pic 2 - looking down (from seal to wheel) of just the ring sitting on the bearing
pic 3 - expansion of 3 parts preserving orientation

Thx.

Attached Thumbnails

     

The ring looks much like the flange of a former seal.

The ring/spacer doesn't seem to be part of the old seal. The old seal and new one seem to be identical with metal exterior and just rubber interior with spring around the inner rubber circumference.

as you can tell from pic 2, the ring presses on the outer ring of the bearing. (which i think is called the cage). This would seem to restrict the spinning? I would image this whole thing would have overheated. I bought the car non-running so i dont know if/how it may have worked

If anyone has done the bearing replacement before, can you just let me know if you've seen or used this piece?

When I referred to "a" former seal, I was not necessarily addressing the one that you found, but an even earlier one. Some manufacturers make seals with a flange that determines the position of the seal in the hub; the seal can be pressed in only as far as the flange permits. Yours are without flange; they are to be pressed in either to the inner race, or flush with the hub.

Incidentally, in your first picture (of the whole stack) the seal appears to be inverted from the intended direction of installation; the spring loaded lip is to go inward, towards the bearing.

First off- thanks for the replies.

Pic 1 and pic 3 have the same orientation, it just that there is a beveled lip to these seals that make that gold strip show up on both sides in pics. To be clear, the spring loaded rubber is facing OUTWARD towards the tire and bearing. The metal edge (as seen in pic 3) is facing the center of the car towards the steering knuckle end. I hope I didn't get that wrong. Maybe I'm using "in" vs "out" incorrectly but the above is the case.

As far as the 2nd ring/spacer, Im going to assume if it wasn't in the kit, it shouldn't be there. I hope that's right.

On my Fiats there is something similar, a ring between the inner wheel bearing race and the seal. It's there to space out the seal, otherwise it could be pressed in too deep.

__________________
Csaba
1972 280SEL 4.5, silver

Do you think it's ok without that spacer (as long as I don't tap the seal in too deep)?

Or, do I need to redo the job and put that spacer in?

thx.

Hey Dan,

I just did this job a few months ago on my 108. I didn't have the extra "spacer" to start with or in the new kit, (same as yours) so you should be fine without it but it may have been in there to keep the seal from going too deep. Here are specific directions I have for the new seal....

"Use the old seal to lightly tap
the new seal into the race. Warning:
do not overdrive the seal. It is not
supposed to be flush with the lip of
the race. When seated, the outer
edge of the new seal should stick
approximately 1/8” above the lip of
the race. Work with care!"

Would your extra part be 1/8 thick?

Hopefully this helps!

__________________
1969 w108 280s

Yes the spacer it's about 1/8".

I drove the seal in until it was flush with the edge of the hub - so I may have overdriven it.

Dang, looks like I'll be redoing the job. Argh. Might as well put that spacer in this time.

Leads to my next question - do you have any tricks on removing the seal without damage? When I use a seal puller, it always wrecks them. I'd like to reuse them so I don't have to wait on parts again.

thx

ouch!

Well you could try a punch to drive it out from the opposite side. You could try really carefully, lightly tapping it going around the circumference so it comes out evenly. It would take time and finesse but if you were nice to it, it might survive.

__________________
1969 w108 280s